Microsolitude - taking time out in small doses

I think I’ve created a new term, microsolitude. Let me explain the context, and let me know if this resonates.

I have been seeking more time alone, more time for solitude as a way to integrate knowledge and experience. I’ve had so much change and so much practical training over the past two years that I wanted to simply find time alone, without distraction, to let all that has happened settle in to my thinking and being. I had this belief that I needed an extended period of time alone to do that. I even did a search for silent retreats even though that kind of experience has always made me think (silently), no thank you. In a recent conversation with some smart, supportive peers, I asked them about their practices to create space for thinking and being because I wanted to learn from them. Listening intently to what they had to say, something new emerged for me.

That’s where the idea of microsolitude came up. I realised I am often so focused on others, particularly at work, that I don’t take moments to myself. The idea is to take a few seconds or a few minutes to simply check in with how I’m feeling and what I’m thinking, and do this regularly as a practice. How does what is happening now relate to what I have been learning or experiencing? How can I create a few moments of solitude in the pauses in conversations or in my workday or on the weekends to reconnect with what I know and what I want to do? This concept felt profound when I feel so busy with work and home projects because it didn’t feel practical to spend days or weeks in complete solitude. What felt possible every day, maybe even several times a day, was to integrate moments of pause where I could turn my focus inward, quiet my mind and check in. Even as I write this, I realise I’m still not very good at doing this, but I do recall how I have started this practice and am encouraged to keep at it. In fact, sometimes moments of solitude have extended to an hour or so.

I wish I had a story to share that demonstrates how life-changing this has been, but that’s not really what I’m after nor what we always seek. Instead, I’m building a practice of creating space regularly in my everyday life to integrate what I’m learning and experiencing, and I’m finding the practice creates a stronger connection to myself, my work and my purpose. It’s worth trying out.

There are many different ways to support personal development, and I wanted to highlight two resources that may be of interest.

I’m co-leading a workshop with the amazing @G called HEADSHOT: A pause, A picture, A possibility for anyone who is in transition of any kind. This intimate, small-group experience is about investing in yourself to see what’s next, and you can read more here.

I also wrote recently about how somatic practices can be used in time of solitude to support gaining clarity or supporting creativity and innovation. You can read the blog, In stillness, you can hear the way forward here: https://www.apiscg.com/blog/in-stillness-you-can-hear-the-way-forward